19 Best & Worst Dodge Durango Years [2023 Rated]

Source: Carbuzz

The Dodge Durango is a large SUV with three rows of seats, and its original design was inspired by pickup trucks. This large and imposing SUV is a fan favorite, but it has good and worst years like every car.

The model years from 1999-2002, 2004, 2005, 2011, 2012, and 2014 are the worst Dodge Durango years. The best model years of Dodge Durango include 2008, 2009, 2015-2018, and 2020-2023. This result was concluded from trustworthy sources such as NHTSA, Edmund, JD Power, and Kelley Blue Book reviews.

What Are The Worst Years Of Dodge Durango?

Here are the worst Dodge Durango models, which have received hundreds of complaints and have various problems:

#9 Worst Year: 2002 Dodge Durango (3.93 Rating)

Source: Youtube / Neighborhood Car Reviews

The 2002 Dodge Durango improved over the 2000 and 2001 models and had fewer troubles than the 2014 model, but it still had its fair share of complaints and recalls, so it is dead last on our list.

Drivers frequently complained about oil sludge and engine stalling/death. The air conditioner was defective, with a poor layout and poor performance.

The air conditioning, door locks, and cruise control all have big issues. The dashboard’s quality is also lacking, as it is often peeled off.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

#8 Worst Year: 2000 Dodge Durango (3.78 Rating)

Source: Custom offsets

Why would you want to purchase a vehicle with over 1000 issues with both its internal workings and exterior features? The Dodge Durango 2000 shares the same issues that plagued its predecessor, the 1999 model.

Engine problems were the most frequently reported problem on CarComplaints, although this was reduced from the 1999 model year. The most prevalent problem was oil sludge, followed by the engine shutting down unexpectedly. The front end squeaked, and squeaks came from the suspensions where the ball joints were.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

#7 Worst Year: 2001 Dodge Durango (3.74 Rating)

Source:7dosetki.pl

There were enough complaints about the 2001 Dodge Durango’s engine, cabin, brakes, and air conditioning, and seven separate recalls made me put it in seventh place. The engine frequently broke down due to low oil pressure and other issues, creating a distracting ticking noise.

There were also bugs and malfunctions in the interior features. The fan in the air conditioner was broken and wouldn’t turn on. Ultimately, this car was extremely frustrating to use in most situations.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

#6 Worst Year: 2012 Dodge Durango (3.63 Rating)

Source:caradisiac

This model has had ten recalls, all related to the vehicle’s engines and electrical systems. The presence of such issues is a contributing factor that ensured its inclusion on our list.

When the engine stalls due to the faulty TIPM chip, it disrupts the operation of the rest of the car’s electrical components. Constant misfiring of the engine is another common complaint of the owners. The model’s lamp malfunction is a major safety concern because it could lead to a fire.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

#5 Worst Year: 2011 Dodge Durango (3.61 Rating)

Source:caranddriver

The 2011 Dodge Durango is yet another model proven to be a lemon. This model has had eight recalls due to electrical and engine concerns.

The model’s defective TIPM chip causes electrical problems, so the engine frequently stalls and misfires. Some drivers have complained that they have trouble getting the car started.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

#4 Worst Year: 2014 Dodge Durango (3.53 Rating)

Source: The car connection

The 2014 Dodge Durango has been regarded as one of the worst vehicles in its class due to a number of issues and complaints reported by owners and critics alike. Some owners have reported issues with the transmission, including rough shifting and stalling.

The infotainment system has also been criticized for being slow and difficult to use, with some users experiencing glitches and freezing. This model has low fuel economy for its class, with an EPA-estimated 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

#3 Worst Year: 2004 Dodge Durango (3.40 Rating)

Source: jbcarpages

2004 Dodge Durango is notorious for various issues, from physical to mechanical. It is the worst model year ever, according to Car Complaints. There were nine recalls on this model, three of which were due to the airbags failing to deploy.

The engine was the primary source of NHTSA and customer complaints, including failure, stalling, and oil sludge buildup. Given these considerations, we find it deserves the third place.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

#2 Worst Year: 2005 Dodge Durango (3.16 Rating)

Source:dodgeforum

The 2005 Dodge Durango continued the problems of the 2004 model, but with more complaints, such as the airbags blowing when deployed or the engine and fuel system not working properly, so I ranked it second.

The problem with the airbags caused the infamous Takata recall that involved millions of vehicles. However, the engine was not recalled, and it continued to stall, inconveniencing the driver and passengers. Another notable problem was the gasoline system, which resulted in fuel spillage whenever the tank was refilled.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

#1 Worst Year: 1999 Dodge Durango (3.12 Rating)

Source: Pinterest / iihs.org

The 1999 Dodge Durango is often considered the worst model in the range, and my research has confirmed this to be true as it has had the most complaints from its owners and has the most issues in the entire series.

Considering that the model had problems with the engine, the brakes, and everything else, the low number of recalls is astonishing. Maybe the wise owners had stopped buying it anymore. The engine had a dangerous propensity to turn off at inopportune times.

Both the transmissions and the suspension ball joints were malfunctioning. Thus, the vehicles would not shift gears. Avoid this model year like the plague since these are only a few of the dozens of issues that plagued this car.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

What Are The Best Years Of Dodge Durango?

Over the years, we’ve seen countless groundbreaking models of the Dodge Durango. But there are always those who stand out from the crowd.

#10 Best Year: 2015 Dodge Durango (4.03 Rating)

Source: Motortrend

Many positive things can be said about the Dodge Durango 2015 model year, but perhaps the most significant is its passengers’ comfort level. Dodge did an excellent job with the interior of this car. Everything about this car is top-notch, from the super-comfortable seats to the Beats by Dr. Dre sound system.

Besides, it has several cool safety features that the driver may enjoy for peace of mind on the road. These include standard antilock disk brakes, traction and stability control, front-side airbags, and more.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

#9 Best Year: 2018 Dodge Durango (4.11 Rating)

Source: Car and Drive

Since its release, the 2018 Durango has won the hearts of many drivers. The high-performance 475-horsepower SRT version debuted with this year’s model. A lot of people started preferring this version, too.

This generation also saw the introduction of luxury-enhancing amenities like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and many more as standard equipment across all trim levels.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

#8 Best Year: 2017 Dodge Durango (4.23 Rating)

Source: hcevpu/ Zydane

The 2017 Dodge Durango is next on the list. The explanation behind this is quite peculiar, but not in a negative sense. This model became well-known for its roomy third-row seating.

This feature is rarely seen in SUVs, and some models’ third-row seating can even feel like a luxury due to inadequate room. The 2017 Dodge Durango, on the other hand, deserves this recognition because it is a worthy improvement over previous models.

Although the 2017 Durango’s gas mileage isn’t great, the vehicle’s infotainment system is excellent.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

#7 Best Year: 2016 Dodge Durango (4.27 Rating)

Source: stylemagazine.com

The 2016 Dodge Durango is great for a large SUV with a luxurious cabin. It also has a great ride quality compared to other Durangos. The R/T version of this vehicle comes standard with several convenient extras.

The standard V6 engine is powerful enough to do the job and fuel-efficient enough to stand out. Because of its lower fuel consumption, this model represents an improvement over its predecessors.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

#6 Best Year: 2021 Dodge Durango (4.38 Rating)

Source: Car and drive

The Dodge Durango 2021 is featured here for a variety of reasons, one of which is a complete redesign. As a result, it now looks far better than earlier models, and you’ll enjoy the convenience of built-in features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Additionally, there is more room for passengers to stretch out and enjoy the ride.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

#5 Best Year: 2008 Dodge Durango (4.39 Rating)

Source: The car connection

It is notable for being the next generation’s first car equipped with a 4.7-liter engine. A rearview camera is just one of the many helpful driving aids included in this model. This model has a superior V8 engine to prior years’ models.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

#4 Best Year: 2009 Dodge Durango (4.41 Rating)

Source: cars.com

The 2009 Dodge Durango is another fantastic vehicle, and I’ve ranked it fourth because of its superior comfort, ride quality, interior space, and off-road capabilities. This model has three trim levels and numerous updated upgrades, including a redesigned V8 engine with cylinder deactivation to increase fuel economy.

In addition to the standard equipment like fog lights and roof racks, many other accessories can be purchased separately for the vehicle.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

#3 Best Year: 2022 Dodge Durango (4.52 Rating)

Source: autowelt-gruppe.de

The 2022 Dodge Durango stands out from its competitors with its bold, aggressive exterior styling that commands attention. With its powerful V6 and V8 engine options, the Durango delivers impressive acceleration and towing capabilities that outperform many other SUVs.

The Durango’s available all-wheel drive system provides exceptional handling and traction, making it a great choice for those frequently driving in harsh weather conditions.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

#2 Best Year: 2023 Dodge Durango (4.53 Rating)

Source: 2020newsuv

According to Kelley Blue Book, the 2023 Dodge Durango is making waves in the automotive world as the #1 highest horsepower SUV of 2023. This impressive achievement is thanks to the Durango’s powerful 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine, which produces an astounding 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque.

Not only does the 2023 Durango have the highest horsepower in its class, but it also offers a range of advanced performance features, Brembo brakes, and launch control, making it a top choice for driving enthusiasts.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

#1 Best Year: 2020 Dodge Durango (4.56 Rating)

Source: Autoblog

You should buy the 2022 Dodge Durango, currently ranked as the #1 best model year, for its exceptional combination of style, performance, minimal recalls and complaints, and technology features. It is a standout SUV in its class with its bold and muscular design, powerful engine options, and advanced safety and entertainment technology.

Don’t settle for anything less than the best; experience the top-rated 2022 Dodge Durango yourself.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

What Are Common Problems With the Dodge Durango?

1. Transmission Failure

Transmission problems arise from time to time in almost every car. The Dodge Durango, on the other hand, has a well-known transmission problem that causes it to become stuck in the park.

This problem would arise out of nowhere, and once parked, the gears would occasionally get jammed. Poor craftsmanship and low-quality components led directly to this issue.

2. Takata Airbag Problems

The Takata airbag recalls affected millions of vehicles from various manufacturers, making it the largest recall in history. The primary issue at stake in this recall was that the airbag might explode upon deployment, sending shards of metal into the cabin and potentially injuring the occupants.

3. Faulty Active Head Restraints

The purpose of active head restraints is to keep your head from flying back in the case of a collision. They are typically used in the event of an accident. The system of Dodge Durangos faces faulty active head restraints. It breaks down under strain because of the low-quality plastic and other components.

4. TIPM Chips Failure

In a defective TIPM, the airbags will not deploy even if needed, which is a significant drawback. Due to this, the power window stops working without warning, and the fuel pump turns off. As a result of legal action on this matter, luckily, the Dodge Corporation began providing warranty extensions.

5. Oil Sludge-related Issues In Engine

Changing your car’s oil can prevent most problems caused by oil sludge. However, due to a specific engine, a lot of oil sludge formed in many Dodge Durango models because the coolant from the pumps was mixed in with this oil. Many Dodge Durangos produced between 1999 and 2004 suffered from this problem.

FAQ

1. How Long Do Dodge Durangos Last?

The  Dodge Durango can typically last between 200,000 and 250,000 kilometers with regular maintenance, so that it might serve your family well for many years.

2. Ford Explorer Vs. Dodge Durango: Which Is Better?

In a nutshell, the Dodge Durango is the better option. The Ford Explorer has a more powerful engine, but it can’t match the Durango’s adaptability. The reason for this is that the interior of the Durango is much more lavishly made.

It also has a larger gasoline tank, so you won’t have to stop as often. Aside from that, Durango’s safety features are better.

3. Do Dodge Durangos Works Efficiently In Snow?

The Dodge Durango is an SUV designed to perform in various climates, including snow. The vehicle’s elevated design keeps the undercarriage off the snow, making it a reliable car in snowy weather.

With all-wheel drive, you’ll have complete command of the road, and the car’s many safety measures will put your mind at ease.

4. From Which Year Did Dodge Durango Change Its Car Shape?

The Dodge Durango’s exterior was last updated for the 2021 model year. The SUV silhouette is retained, while the car has a more streamlined and contemporary appearance.

Conclusion

The Dodge Durango is the latest in a long line of reliable and capable vehicles produced by Dodge. This SUV is powerful and fast, with convenient amenities that keep its passengers safe and comfortable.

The 2020 Dodge Durango is the best model yet, while the 1999 model is the poorest of the series and should be avoided at all costs.

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